But he's been very ordinary this year. There's likely a reason that the super-savvy Ravens organization has seemed reluctant to give a new deal to Flacco, even though he's set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2013. He hasn't taken his game -- or his team -- to the next level.

2) Michael Turner

When I wrote about the Atlanta Falcons at the halfway point of the season, I critiqued their run game. General manager Thomas Dimitroff correctly told me that it must get better. While Jacquizz Rodgers has given the team a little bit of juice, Turner is the featured back, and he hasn't gotten started. Why would I think he could turn it on now?

Injured backup quarterback Byron Leftwich is awful. His replacement, Charlie Batch, is worse. After watching the way the Steelers' running backs turned it over, and given the play on the line, I don't think you can bank on an injured Big Ben to save the Steelers' season.

4) Marshall Newhouse

It's really not fair to pin all of the blame on the Green Bay Packers left tackle, but he's been the poster child for the team's troubles with a suspect offensive line.

With all of the injuries they've endured, the Packers have turned into an "Aaron Rodgers or bust" squad. And they went "bust" against the Giants.

5) Russell Wilson

If you've read my columns or listened to my radio show, you'd know there isn't a bigger Russell Wilson fan on the planet then me. I created the Wilson bandwagon this February. And the Seattle Seahawks' rookie quarterback hasn't disappointed.

Sherman's only been one of the best defensive players in the sport this season. The suffocating Seattle defense has functioned off of the "Legion of Boom" making plays and being physical on the back end.

The alleged stupidity of Sherman and Browner stands to put a burden on everyone else, especially after Seattle inexplicably fell to 6-5 with Sunday's loss to the Miami Dolphins.